Brachycepalic dogs and cats are breeds with very short noses causing a smushed appearance to their face. This can lead to significant and even potentially life-threatening respiratory problems. Difficulty bringing air into the lungs due to stenotic nares (tight nostrils), elongation of the soft palate blocking the airway and a smaller than normal trachea can have serious implications. This includes chronic respiratory infections, gagging/choking when eating or drinking leading, inability to adequately cool the body after exercise or excitement and heat stroke. If you have a short nosed breed and notice snoring, open mouth breathing/panting especially with activity or exercise, or regular gagging/choking have your pet evaluated for brachycephalic syndrome by your veterinarian. There a surgical corrections available to improve respiration and help your pet live a happier, healthier, longer life.
